Indictable Crime Panel members are encouraged to consider briefing Criminal Trial Preferred Barrister List (PBL) barristers at committal stage.
The Criminal Trial Preferred Barrister List was established to provide oversight regarding the quality of barristers appearing in legally aided criminal trials.
Indictable Crime Panel members may only brief PBL barristers for trials, unless they apply for an exception in advance.
There are no similar restriction for committals, appeals to the County Court or Court of Appeal, or plea hearings in the Country and Supreme Courts, and non-PBL barristers may be briefed for these matters.
However, we strongly encourage early briefing of PBL barristers at the committal mention and contested committal stages, as this promotes continuity of counsel, early resolution of matters and the effective use of public funds.
More information
Read more about the Criminal Trial Preferred Barrister .
Reviewed 28 November 2022